1994: FLAVR SAVR Tomato

The FDA approved the sale of the first genetically modified food - the FLAVR SAVR tomato, deeming it as safe as conventionally-bred tomatoes.

The FDA's decision on the FLAVR SAVR tomato - marketed by Calgene, Inc. of Davis, California - marked the first time the agency evaluated a food that was genetically engineered. FLAVR SAVR tomatoes are modified to stay firm after harvest, so they can be left on the vine longer before shipping. The FDA decided the change in the tomatoes was not great enough to warrant mandated labeling describing the alteration.